Tarragon Corn

Fresh corn kernels, poached slowly with shallots in butter and ouzo, with fresh tarragon stirred in to serve.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
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Updated July 03, 2022
Elise Bauer
Tarragon Corn
Elise Bauer

Is there anything better than fresh corn?

On the cob or off, either way. When summer has fully arrived and corn is in season, nothing beats it.

A while back I had a lovely meal at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville that featured a side of corn kernels that had been slowly cooked in butter and Pernod and tossed with fresh tarragon.

This is my attempt to recreate the dish and I think we've come pretty close!

With all the fresh tarragon growing in my garden I've been on the lookout for recipes that would use it well.

Who knew corn and tarragon were such a perfect match? The tarragon just seems to make the corn taste more exquisitely sweet, without being overbearing.

Tarragon Corn

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 3 to 4 servings

Regarding the anise liqueur the recipe calls for, I think it's a nice touch, but not necessary. You'll get enough of the flavor with the tarragon if you are avoiding alcohol or don't have an anise liqueur on hand.

* If using fresh corn, to remove corn from the cob first remove the husks and strings. Stand the corn up with the tip down in a large shallow pan like a baking dish. Using a sharp chef's knife, use long downward strokes to remove the corn kernels from the cob. You might find it easier to use a bundt pan to hold the ear of corn and catch the kernels. Or you can use a corn stripper.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 cup shallots, chopped (can sub onions)

  • 3 cups corn (from about 4 ears corn)*

  • 1 tablespoon an anise liqueur such as ouzo, Pernod, pastis, or sambuca (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter, more to taste

  • 1 tablespoon packed fresh tarragon, minced

  • Dash white pepper (or black pepper if white is unavailable)

Method

  1. Cook the shallots in butter:

    Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan on medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

  2. Add the corn, salt, and anise liqueur if using:

    (if not using, add 1 Tbsp water). Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the corn is tender.

  3. Remove from heat, stir in the tarragon:

    Add pepper and more salt to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
221 Calories
13g Fat
26g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 221
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 385mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 8mg 42%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 301mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.